Rugby Australia extends partnership with Asics in long-term deal

Rugby Australia has signed a lucrative six-year extension with ASICS, that will see the Japanese sportswear brand sponsor the Wallabies for the next two Rugby World Cups.

As the official apparel and footwear supplier of Australia’s national Rugby teams, the new Asics deal will carry the partnership through to the end of 2025.

The long-term deal will see the Qantas Wallabies wear ASICS not only at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan but also for the 2023 tournament in France and right through until the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “Through this partnership extension ASICS has given a strong vote of confidence in Australian Rugby by committing for the long haul as we look forward to a number of exciting major tournaments and tours over the coming years.

“Our athletes are proud to wear the ASICS brand and we are delighted that we can continue to work with ASICS to carry on the traditions of our game and elevate the performance of our national teams.”

The Qantas Australian Women’s and Men’s Sevens teams will don the iconic brand for their Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games campaign, and the Buildcorp Wallaroos will wear ASICS in a potential home-soil Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign in 2023.

Managing Director of ASICS Oceania, Mark Brunton said: “We are delighted to be extending our agreement with Rugby Australia for a further six years.

“Rugby has a rich history in Australia and we are very proud to be part of that.”

“We are excited by the opportunity to showcase our innovative designs in performance apparel and sporting footwear at the highest level through Rugby on the local and global stage.”

ASICS will also continue to kit out the Australian Under 20’s and Australian Schools and Under 18 teams.

Qantas Wallabies back, Israel Folau said: “I’m really happy that Rugby Australia and ASICS are continuing their partnership.

“ASICS has been a huge supporter of Rugby in Australia, not only the Wallabies but also the Wallaroos, Under 20’s and Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams.

“The technology in the product is second to none and it’s exciting for Rugby Australia to be working with such an innovative company as we look to next year and beyond.”